Fume are a metal band from Coventry and unfortunately that is the extent of the slim information or knowledge known about them. On investigation, the name appears to be quite common for a rock band and they shouldn't be confused with the Reading band or another band from Finland with the same name. But the main reason why there shouldn't be any uncertainty is because THIS band called Fume is actually quite fucking good!

The basis of their sound is a strong and aggressive metalcore assault - and it really is a metalized rendering of hardcore - but is far from being a straight forward take on that genre. There is a veritable concoction of other elements; including a gloomy sentiment and often an incessant groove - as with "Wings of Vengeance" - that creates a extraordinary mood and temper which isn't often encountered. Along with splatters of thrash and at the other extreme a sludgy grind, they go on to create across the album an impression of an eclectic landscape.

Vocal duties are performed by two throats that have complementary styles; one goes for the more deathly sawn-off-neck approach, while the other a more hardcore semi-rap style - with a pseudo-American accent which occasionally grates (damn it they're from Coventry!) - but largely the combination works well and jacks up the aggression like a bouncer with a migraine.

Overall this is a very good debut album that delivers a suitably violent dose of genetically modified hardcore metal, with enough grunt to excite Maria Sharapova yet with ample innovation to successfully integrate a wide choice of influences. It will be really interesting to see how they develop this sound to its next stage. Check it out!